Miami-Dade Archipelago Land Purchase [Archaeological sites preserved by Jeb]

www.myflorida.com ^ | May 7, 2002 | State of FL

[summer]

FL's fabulous governor,
Jeb Bush

Miami-Dade Archipelago Land Purchase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2002
CONTACTS: Kathalyn Gaither (850) 488-1073
Greg Brock (850) 487-1750

TALLAHASSEE - Today Governor Jeb Bush and Florida Cabinet members approved an important land purchase that nearly completes a significant Florida Forever project. By completing this purchase of 50 acres for the Miami-Dade County Archipelago project, 761 of 856 acres have now been acquired, leaving just 11 percent remaining for acquisition.

In July 1995, Miami-Dade County and the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of State Lands entered into a multiparty acquisition agreement for the project. The State (Board of Trustees) will now fulfill the terms of the agreement by reimbursing the county $1,182,500 and paying closing costs.

"We are happy to partner with Dade County on this significant purchase," said Eva Armstrong, state lands division director with the DEP. "So little of the original habitat exists in South Florida, this project offers a look back in time."

The project is situated on a limestone ridge east of the Everglades, surrounded by Miami, the city of Homestead, and farmlands. Subtropical pinelands, hardwood hammocks and some of the most outstanding rockland hammocks remaining in Florida make up this area.

Several of the hammocks include significant archaeological sites. The pine rocklands are critical to the survival of at least 51 rare and endangered plant species found nowhere else, and several rare animal species, including the short-tailed hawk and osprey.

Designated as a botanical site with recreational and educational opportunities, visitors will be able to explore the last remaining pieces of these unique forests.


An evening sunset, FL Everglades.

[summer]

Thanks so much for your upbeat comments -- and, for pinging people, cake_crumb!!! :)

[summer]

Great move. Osprey are really wonderful. There was a pair nesting below where I lived a couple years ago on St. Thomas, very rare. They entertained us for hour with spectacular flights.

Thanks for sharing that, not-alone! I have seen Osprey in FL and you're right - they are spectacular. :)

[summer]

I spent many a weekend exploring those hammocks when I was a kid growing up in South Miami. They are well worth preserving and are unique.

Thank you so much for taking the time to post that, Rebelbase. :)

[summer]

Re your post #7; see post #12. :)

[summer]

Re your post #12 - I agree. And, here, the state is purchasing the land.

[summer]

Bump for Jeb and preservation of Fla Archaeological sites!

BTTT! Thanks, Sungirl. :)

[summer]

FYI. :)

[floriduh voter]

Good for Jeb! Thanks for this excellent ping. Jeb's the man, going back to ancient history to take every issue AWAY FROM THE LIBS.

That reminds me, nobody is donating money to dem candidates so THE DEM CANDIDATES WILL BE ANCIENT HISTORY BY THE NOVEMBER ELECTION!

[rvoitier]

Is this the site Art Bell had been railing about?

[summer]

???? Sorry, as I don't have any info or details on that....anything you could post re this matter would be of interest! :)

[summer]

bttt - Thanks for pinging people! :)

[mafree]

THE DEM CANDIDATES WILL BE ANCIENT HISTORY BY THE NOVEMBER ELECTION!

Boy do I hope so. Not just in FL but every state! GO JEB!!

[rvoitier]

I'm not a big Art Bell fan but do stay up late and have to listen to something.

This is what he was talking about.

It doesn't sound like it's the same thing, though.

[summer]

LOL....mafree, I thought you were an independent? :)

[summer]

Thanks for posting that link. I looked through the info about the "Circle" and no, I don't think that has anything to do with the sites mentioned in the article I posted. But, very interesting link. Thanks for sharing it. :)

[mafree]

Oh I am but I do want the Democratic Party to go away.

[summer]

LOL....to tell you the truth, I think they will go away for the same reason most bad art eventually goes away: people don't show enough interest to buy it.

[blam]

"I think, however, that the state can own land, as long as they obey the takings clause. Am I correct in thinking this?"

I think so. We have a program here called 'Forever Wild.' They buy up wilderness areas at the market price. It is funded mainly by private donations. (some state and federal though)